As Veterans Day approaches, the First Lady and the USO of Illinois encourages Illinoisans to remember military members serving throughout the world
SPRINGFIELD –(ENEWSPF)—November 9, 2017
By: Rosemary Piser
Illinois’ First Lady Diana Rauner announced the 2017 Holiday Card Drive for the Military. The card drive is done in partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO) of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the Illinois Executive Mansion Association, and aims to send Illinois’ service men and women overseas the joy of knowing that people back home are thinking of them at holiday time.
As Mrs. Rauner said, “We must always remember our Illinois Heroes, the people who serve in harm’s way and sacrifice so much to preserve our way of life, A card is a simple gift that can lift their spirits and remind our service members that we’re thinking of them while they’re far from home. Governor Rauner and I encourage all Illinoisans to send holiday cards to the USO. In turn, the USO will see to it that our expressions of gratitude and admiration are delivered in time for the holiday.”
Holiday cards should be mailed through November 20th to:
USO of Illinois – Cards for Heroes
333 S. Wabash Ave., 16th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604
Cards can also be dropped off at a local Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Service Office. Office locations can be found here: www.illinois.gov/veterans.
Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes Jr., the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and Director of the Illinois Department of Military Affairs said: “I have seen first-hand the positive impact the USO of Illinois has had by always being there for our service men and women, as well as their families. These holiday cards are just one example of how their support, as well as the support of our fellow Illinoisans, helps bring a little bit of home to our Soldiers and Airmen as they continue to serve overseas.”
With service members serving throughout the world, including many remote locations, it is important to send holiday cards and gifts to service members as early as possible to ensure they arrive before the holidays.
Source: www.illinois.gov
